The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags can be more than a fashion accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you buy a classic bag and take care of it, it will increase in value over time.

To help you make the best decision, we've put together an extensive list of designers to consider. We gathered data from trusted luxury resale sites such as Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Brief History

As women began to work outside the home and began to gain more independence in the 1900s, handbags were fashionable and a practical tool for carrying makeup, money and other necessities. Bags evolved from small pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series of modifications in style and function, to what we know as designer handbags.

In the 1950s, as more designers entered into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel and Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained a reputation for elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by celebrities. The popularity of bags from brands led to the development of iconic designs that can still be seen in a variety of outfits.

In WWII, purse designs changed slightly because manufacturers used less metal to make bags for the war. The end of the war marked the dawn of freedom for young people, and the rules about what could be carried on a woman's person became looser. Bags that were previously considered unfashionable, such as drawstring bags made of wicker or plastic, became popular as women were able to experiment with their personal style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie and youth culture attitudes that influenced fashion trends, and an array of new bag designs were invented. Designers took advantage of the creativity of the era with bags in leather, vinyl, chains and even chainmail. These new styles were inspired by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine style of the era.

In the 1990s designer bags were back in fashion and were a major element of the fashion industry. Many designers reworked classical designs, such as the classic, structured purse to create more sleek and contemporary styles. YSL's Muse Bag, for instance was a huge success during the decade, and is still seen on the arms and shoulders of celebrities and models.

Designer bags are often named after famous people and once they gain an following with celebrities, sales increase. Hermes bags, for instance were named after Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to emulate their style. When a new style becomes an 'It bag', it could take months, or even weeks, to find one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion, which change at a rapid speed Designer bags with a classic design have a longevity that can last decades. These timeless, coveted bags are a great investment if you don't want to live without a designer bag or want to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.

Hermes Birkin is one of the most recognized online designer handbags bags. This iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous by the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the initial stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought after and has long waiting lists and is believed to be among the most iconic designer handbags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with oversized handles and a bohemian feel, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian style, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired shape and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote was brought into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influencers, is another recognizable designer bag that's also gaining popularity among millennials.

While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a hot fashion accessory, the brand has moved away from this logo style and has released other memorable bags including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Meanwhile, Miu Miu's ruched Metalasse bag is a fresh version of the aughts bag trend, and was seen on plenty of runway styles in the past season.

The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its upscale clothing that has couture details. The brand's signature feminine yet casual look can be seen in its handbags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most famous model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.

For those who prefer a more minimalist style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato, a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The bag's streamlined shape and minimalist hardware provide an ideal balance between practicality and style.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast you'll know that bags can be more than just functional accessories. A designer handbag is a statement of fashion that says you're a trendsetter with impeccable taste and style. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a distinct design.

There are numerous fashion designers that create a mark with their beautiful bags. Designer brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names. Tory Burch, for example is a premium brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude sophistication. The bags of the brand also offer an ideal combination of fashion and function with distinctive elements such as the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Other fashion houses that have made a mark with their stylish designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning designs. Designer bags from the brand are modernized versions of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and the Antigona Tote. Valentino is a luxury fashion brand that was established in 1959. The company is known for its feminine clothing for women as well as bags that are popular like the Gabrielle Hobo bag as well as the Givenchy Pandora bag.

Other brands have also designed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorites. Staud is a Los Angeles based brand, which was launched in 2018 has gained a lot of attention for its modern and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature an exclusive blend of class and fun that draws the attention of young fashionistas.

There are many other designer bags brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, such as Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a mixture of contemporary and classic styles. The brand provides an array of colors and sizes. The company also has several vegan bags, which are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion world.

The Best Designer Handbags Sale Outlet Uk Bags

A designer bag can be a timeless addition to your wardrobe. The most fashionable designer bags of the season come in a variety of shapes, colors and styles, so there's something for all. This selection includes a few new pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as some staples that have remained coveted for years to come.

According to The RealReal's resale report, the most sought-after designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags including the Gabrielle and Boy Bags, Louis Vuitton (including Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags, including the Jackie O & Sukey Tote. The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with the public and the critics.

For a modern and contemporary designer bag, check out Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is made of the brand's signature intercciato, but with an added twist. The strap is tied with knots to add interest to the design. The bag is available in various colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is a classic.

Another bag worth considering is the Puzzle bag from Loewe, that is a combination of functionality and geometric design. The designer handbag with a geometric design, described by its creator as "a masterpiece", reportedly takes 75 leather pieces and a lot skill to create. The bag is a favorite among fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.

Yves Saint Laurent is another designer handbags chanel label that has seen numerous of its items on the front row of fashion week, including the LouLou Toy bag. Named in honor of the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is both functional and timeless due to its directional quilting.

Other designers like Alexander McQueen have seen their bags on numerous celebrities, from Selena Gomez to Naomi Campbell. The Heroine bag is a slim but feminine piece that could be your next favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a dash of elegance to your outfit whether you're looking for an upgrade to a fashionable McQueen bag or make a statement with your style by adding a Chanel bag. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to roomy designer backpacks, the curated selection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for everyone.